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I love how budget-friendly Costco’s pork shoulder country-style ribs are; I am always looking for new ways to make them – and this Oven-Roasted Country Style Ribs recipe is so simple and delicious, I am always craving it!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Pork Shoulder Country Style Ribs in the Oven
How to Roast Country Style Ribs
To make this recipe, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- Country-Style Ribs (2 lbs, bone-in or boneless): The main ingredient, these ribs are meaty and flavorful, becoming tender and juicy when roasted. They provide the hearty base of the dish and absorb the seasoning beautifully.
- Kosher Salt (1 ½ teaspoons, adjust to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the meat and helps tenderize the ribs during roasting. Its coarse texture ensures even distribution over the meat.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory, slightly sweet garlic flavor that complements the richness of the ribs. Its powdered form ensures even coverage and easy blending with other spices.
- Seasoning Blend (2 tablespoons, e.g., adjika, rib rub, shawarma rub, or BBQ rub): Provides the primary flavor profile, whether smoky, spicy, savory, or sweet, depending on the blend used. It creates a flavorful crust during roasting and adds depth to the dish.
After you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the country-style ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and garlic powder. Coat the ribs evenly with your chosen seasoning blend, rubbing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Arrange the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on the prepared baking sheet or in a roasting pan, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
- Cover and Roast: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep the ribs moist during cooking. Roast in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
- Crisp the Ribs (Optional): Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up the edges and deepen the color.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain their juices. Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Seasonings for Roasted Country Style Ribs
This is a base recipe – meant for you to pick a seasoning YOU love. The following suggestions are perfect for packing a ton of flavor into roasted country-style ribs – simply pick your flavor preference and use 2 tablespoons to season ribs.
You can marinate ribs in a dry rib rub up to overnight for extra flavor!
- Classic BBQ Rub: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (optional for heat).
- Cajun Spice Blend: Paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, salt.
- Smoky Chipotle Rub: Chipotle powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a touch of brown sugar.
- Mediterranean Herb Blend: Dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Shawarma-Inspired Spice Mix: Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Sweet and Spicy Asian Rub: Brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Smoky Mustard Blend: Mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a small amount of sugar.
- Italian Herb Mix: Dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of grated Parmesan (optional).
- Adjika-Inspired Rub: Paprika, cayenne, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground fenugreek.
- Spicy Caribbean Jerk Blend: Allspice, thyme, cinnamon, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Savory Garlic & Herb Rub: Minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Honey-Mustard Glaze (as a rub alternative): Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper for a sticky-sweet finish.
- Chimichurri Dry Rub: Garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon zest.
- Sweet Chili Lime Blend: Brown sugar, chili powder, lime zest, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Peppercorn and Herb Blend: Crushed black peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt.
Tips for Perfect Country Style Ribs in the Oven
Choose the Right Ribs: Country-style ribs can be bone-in or boneless; bone-in ribs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Look for ribs with good marbling for tenderness.
Pat the Ribs Dry: Before seasoning, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and create a flavorful crust during roasting.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Ribs are thick, so ensure the seasoning penetrates by rubbing it in thoroughly on all sides.
Marinate for More Flavor: For enhanced taste, marinate the ribs in the seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Use Foil for Moisture: Cover the ribs with foil during the initial roasting phase to trap steam and keep them moist and tender.
Finish Without Foil: Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes and roast at a higher temperature to caramelize the edges and develop a flavorful crust.
Check Internal Temperature: Ribs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 190–200°F (88–93°C) for fall-apart tenderness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, allow the ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Add Sauce Strategically: If using BBQ sauce or a glaze, brush it on during the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce.
Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread to complete the meal.
Use a Roasting Rack (Optional): Placing the ribs on a rack in the pan allows heat to circulate evenly and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Experiment with Seasonings: Customize the flavor by trying different spice blends, such as Cajun, jerk, or even a mix of brown sugar and chili powder for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
Use Shoulder Country Style Ribs
Shoulder country-style ribs are ideal for roasting because they are well-marbled with fat, ensuring the meat stays moist, tender, and flavorful during cooking.
This cut, taken from the pork shoulder, has a rich, robust flavor and benefits from slow cooking, allowing the connective tissue to break down into a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The natural marbling also absorbs marinades and seasonings exceptionally well, making it versatile for various flavor profiles.
These ribs are also a cost-effective option, offering more meat and less bone compared to traditional rib cuts like baby back or spare ribs. Their hearty, meaty nature makes them perfect for feeding a crowd, delivering both great value and a satisfying, flavorful dish.
FAQs
1. What are country-style ribs?
Country-style ribs are meaty cuts taken from the shoulder or blade end of the pork loin. They can be bone-in or boneless and are more tender and flavorful when slow-cooked or roasted.
2. Should I use bone-in or boneless ribs?
Both work well for this recipe. Bone-in ribs are juicier and have more flavor, while boneless ribs are easier to handle and serve.
3. Can I use a different seasoning blend?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe with your favorite rubs or blends like Cajun, BBQ, shawarma, or a mix of brown sugar and chili powder for a sweet-and-savory flavor.
4. Can I marinate the ribs?
Yes, marinating the ribs for a few hours or overnight enhances flavor. Use your seasoning blend mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar for a simple marinade.
5. How do I keep the ribs from drying out?
Covering the ribs with foil during the initial roasting helps retain moisture. Removing the foil toward the end allows for a crispy exterior without losing tenderness.
6. How long should I cook the ribs?
At 325°F (165°C), cook the ribs for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Check their internal temperature; they should reach 190–200°F (88–93°C) for fall-apart texture.
7. Can I use BBQ sauce?
Yes! Brush BBQ sauce on the ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to create a caramelized glaze without burning the sauce.
8. Do I need to flip the ribs during cooking?
It’s not necessary, but flipping the ribs halfway through can help them cook more evenly and ensure both sides develop flavor.
9. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can roast the ribs a day ahead, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through.
10. Can I use this recipe for grilling instead?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the grill! Sear the ribs over direct heat for a few minutes on each side, then move to indirect heat and cook covered until tender.
11. What sides pair well with these ribs?
Popular sides include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, baked beans, or cornbread. These complement the hearty and flavorful ribs beautifully.
12. How do I know when the ribs are done?
The meat should be tender and pull apart easily. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is between 190–200°F (88–93°C) for optimal tenderness.
These FAQs should help you prepare delicious and perfectly roasted country-style ribs with confidence!
What to Serve With Country Style Ribs
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Oven Roasted Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs country-style ribs, bone-in or boneless
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons seasoning blend, e.g., adjika, rib rub, shawarma rub, or BBQ rub
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Season evenly on all sides with kosher salt and garlic powder.
- Rub the ribs thoroughly with your chosen seasoning blend, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the seasoned ribs on the prepared baking sheet or in a roasting pan, spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
- Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to caramelize and crisp the edges.
- Allow the ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or cornbread.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.